These surreal paintings will compel you to take a second look

(SPOT.ph) When Luis Lorenzana got his degree in Public Administration and went on to work at the Philippine Senate, he didn't know that it would become his springboard to a career in the arts. The bustling office became a cauldron of what would later be a brewing passion for social commentaries through his own brand of pop surrealist paintings. He has participated in over 20 group and solo shows in Hong Kong, Germany, and the U.S.

"Congrie"

"The Great Love Spinster"

In early 2016, Lorenzana discovered a body of his works created between 2005 to 2008 gathering dust in his studio but still intact. He hung one of his works, "Who Killed Jose," in his studio and a collector named Ken Hakuta showed interest. Hakuta was overwhelmed by the technique of Lorenzana's early pieces that had no place in the Philippine art market a decade ago. He slowly acquired most of the self-taught artist's works, most of which reminded him of paintings by Yoshitomo Nara and Jean Michael Basquiat, and referred to it as the Luis Lorenzana Archival Collection. Funny-looking creatures were put alongside serious themes of colonial mentality, patriotism, and heroism.

"Heneral Luna"

"Who Killed Jose"

In February 2017, the collection will be put on exhibit at the Leon Gallery in Makati City, while a publication including critical essays on Lorenzana's works will be launched by the International Arts and Artists, a non-profit art organization based in Washington, DC. The publication includes in depth analyses by Michelle Yun, Senior Curator of Modern and Contemporary art in New York, and Ryu Niimi, Director of the Oita Prefectural Art Museum in Japan.

The exhibt will be at Leon Gallery's space in Corinthian Plaza, Gamboa corner Paseo de Roxas Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City. For more information, visit Leon Gallery on Facebook.